Agyei: I'm Trying To Knock On The Door

Dan Agyei is enjoying life around the Clarets’ first-team squad and believes their Premier League quality will rub off to help him raise his game.

Agyei has combined matches for Burnley's Development Squad with working within the senior set-up at Turf Moor since returning from a loan spell at Coventry City.

He was on the bench at Hull City last Saturday as the Clarets drew 1-1 and is likely to be in the traveling party to South Wales to face Swansea City in the Premier League this weekend.

And the 19-year-old Londoner says coming up against top-flight defenders and learning from Burnley’s senior strikers day-in, day-out can only aid his development.

Agyei said: “I think I’m doing quite well, just always trying to knock on the door, whether it be in training or when I get an opportunity when I play in matches to try and score goals and work hard and just show what I am about.

“I think training with the first-team is really helping me to improve because every day I will be up against Michael Keane, Ben Mee or James Tarkowski, which is really helping me to develop and mature.

“With Andre (Gray) I’ve learned from his running in behind and his movement, which is really good.

“From Barnesy and Vokesy it’s been the hold-up play. They can put the ball up into Barnesy and he can just hold onto it and get a foul and I’m trying to learn from that.

“They have all been nice to me and helped me out with advice.”

Agyei is yet to make his debut for the Clarets but played 19 times at first-team level on loan for Coventry earlier this season.

The Sky Blues are struggling against the drop in League One, but Agyei still managed to score five goals in 19 appearances during a four-month stay he believes will stand him in good stead for his future career.

“I learned a lot,” he added. “There were a few ups and downs. Coventry were struggling a bit so I have seen both sides of football, which I think has really helped.

“It was really good for development and great experience.

“I think it helped me to mature as a player and a person. When the fans aren’t too happy you’ve got to play well and stick through it.

“You might get a bit of stick and you’ve got to play through it.”

Agyei’s pace and power looks capable of worrying defenders at all levels and on Monday he gained the confidence-booster of two goals – one a superb solo effort – in the Clarets’ 5-3 Premier League Cup win over
Sunderland as the Development Squad ended their group campaign on a high at the end of another learning curve for Agyei and his younger team-mates.

“I was disappointed not to get a hat-trick, but pleased we won the game,” said Agyei.

“In this cup we’ve had our ups and downs but it was good to finish with a nice solid win.

“Because we’re not in the league it’s been good to get some competitive games.”